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Chef

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AVG. SALARY

$39,130

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EDUCATION

High school (GED) +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Hospitality and Tourism cluster Restaurants and Food/Beverage Services pathway.

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

High school (GED), plus on-the-job training

To enter the occupation, chefs typically need a high school diploma plus experience. Some attend a culinary program at a community college, technical school, culinary arts school, or 4-year college. Others learn through apprenticeship programs or in the Armed Forces.

Insider Info

Additional Information

A chef does not need any formal training or specific education. However, there are culinary schools and culinary programs at colleges and universities that help aspiring chefs develop their skills. Look around to see if there is a culinary school near you, or if local colleges and universities offer culinary programs.

Chefs do require certain skills -- whether they have them naturally or they go to school to get them.

"Certainly to excel or even tread water, a basic set of skills is required," says Matt Rissling, an executive chef.

David Pantone is the dean of culinary education at Lincoln Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. He says that while it is possible to succeed without any education, most people get some schooling before attempting a career as a chef.

"In this millennium, most young people go to a culinary school in order to learn the right way and skip making a lot of newbie mistakes," he says. "The more you learn, the more you grow."

Chefs can get certification through the American Culinary Federation. The federation offers 14 different certification designations. Some examples include certified executive chef, certified master pastry chef and personal certified chef. Each certification has specific qualifications.

Extra Requirements

Although not required, certification can show competence and lead to advancement and higher paying positions. The American Culinary Federation certifies various levels of chefs, such as certified sous chefs and certified executive chefs.

For additional information, visit these websites:

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.